What Causes Back Pain and How to Treat It Naturally?
Back pain is a common condition that can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. It may present as a dull ache, sharp stabbing sensation, or stiffness in different areas of the back, including the lower, middle, and upper back. Back pain can result from various factors, ranging from lifestyle habits to medical conditions. Identifying the root cause is key to finding effective relief and preventing further discomfort.
1. Poor posture
Slouching while sitting or standing for long hours puts strain on the spine and muscles, leading to discomfort and stiffness.
2. Sedentary lifestyle
Prolonged sitting weakens core muscles that support the back, increasing the risk of pain and injury.
3. Heavy lifting & improper lifting techniques
Lifting heavy objects incorrectly can strain the muscles and spine, causing sudden or long-term back problems.
4. Injuries & accidents
Falls, car crashes, or sports-related impacts can damage the spine, muscles, or nerves, leading to acute or chronic pain.
5. Underlying medical conditions
Conditions like herniated discs, arthritis, and sciatica can cause persistent back pain, limiting movement and affecting daily activities.
While many cases improve with rest and simple remedies, persistent or worsening pain may require medical attention. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments, including acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine, are common solutions adopted to address the root causes of back pain naturally. By promoting better circulation, reducing inflammation, and restoring balance in the body, TCM provides long-term relief without the need for invasive procedures or medication dependence.
Symptoms of Back Pain
Back pain can range from local pain in a specific spot to generalized pain spreading all over the back. Sometimes the pain radiates from the back to other places of your body, such as the buttocks and lower limbs.
Depending on the type, causes, and location of your back pain, you may experience:
- Increasing pain with bending or lifting and
- Worsening pain when sitting, standing or resting.
- Back pain that comes and goes.
- Stiffness in the morning.
- Pain that radiates from the back into the buttocks, lower limbs.
- Numbness or weakness in your lower limbs.
TCM Differential Diagnosis for Back Pain
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), back pain is often linked to Painful Obstruction Syndrome (痹症), a condition caused by external factors like Wind, Cold, Dampness, or Heat, which block the flow of qi and blood. This leads to pain, stiffness, and limited movement.
Wind Painful Obstruction Syndrome (风痹)
This is caused by wind, and is characterized by pain and soreness with the pain moving from joint to joint, and accompanied with aversion to wind
Damp Painful Obstruction Syndrome (湿痹)
This is caused by dampness, and is characterized by pain, soreness and swelling with a feeling of heaviness and numbness of the limbs. The pain being fixed in one place. Aggravated on cloudy and rainy weather.
Cold Painful Obstruction Syndrome (寒痹)
This is caused by cold, and is characterized by a severe joint and muscle pain with fixed location as well as local cold sensation. Alleviated by warmth, aggravated by cold.
Heat Painful Obstruction Syndrome (热痹)
Pain with local redness, swelling and burning sensation, accompanied with fever, sweating and thirst.
Blood Stasis Syndrome (血瘀)
This is cause by long-term obstruction in the circulation of blood, and is characterised by long-term intermittent pain with swelling, rigidity and deformity of joints.
Effective TCM Treatments for Back Pain Relief
At GHHS Chinese Medical Centre, we offer a range of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies designed to effectively relieve back pain, address the root cause, and promote long-term healing. Our holistic approach reduces pain, improves mobility by relaxing lower back muscles, and restores balance through natural healing, helping patients lead healthier, pain-free lives.
Our TCM treatments for back pain include acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal medicine, cupping, blood-letting, and TCM chiropractic manipulation (Tui Na). These time-tested techniques work by enhancing blood circulation, relieving muscle tension, reducing inflammation, and promoting the body’s natural healing process.
Structural Adjustment in TCM
Through tactile assessment and diagnostic evaluation, the root cause of the issue is identified. Gentle, painless adjustments are applied in alignment with the body’s natural structural flow, restoring continuity between the systems (skin, muscles, bones, and fascia) and enhancing the body’s ability to self-heal.
Applicable Conditions:
Sports injuries, pelvic misalignment, traumatic injuries, occupational strain injuries, tendinitis, de Quervain’s tenosynovitis (commonly known as mommy’s thumb), leg length discrepancy, neck and arm pain, lower back pain, frozen shoulder, acute lumbar sprain, back pain, sciatica, and musculoskeletal strain.
TCM Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy is a TCM treatment that utilizes physical stimulation and negative pressure to create localized suction on the skin, activating the body’s natural healing mechanisms. This therapy promotes blood circulation, stimulates vital energy, regulates qi and blood flow, relieves muscle soreness, and enhances the body’s immune function. The practitioner will tailor the cupping technique based on the patient’s condition and severity of symptoms.
Applicable Conditions:
Chronic lumbar strain, cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, chronic sports injuries, muscle soreness, stiff neck, tendinitis, rheumatic pain, chronic fatigue, general wellness imbalances, digestive disorders, common cold and cough, diarrhea, and eczema.
Posture Correction and Rehabilitation Management
Posture Correction and Rehabilitation Management addresses these concerns through professional manual adjustments, muscle strengthening, body sculpting, and pelvic rehabilitation, helping to restore natural body alignment, balance, and an aesthetically pleasing posture.
Applicable Conditions:
Lower back pain and shoulder soreness caused by pelvic expansion, laxity, or prolonged poor posture; lower body obesity; prevention of urinary incontinence; pelvic rehabilitation; correction of rounded shoulders and hunchback; improvement of shoulder asymmetry; enhancement of overall body condition; posture correction; and hip lifting and body sculpting.
Why Choose GHHS Chinese Medical Centre for Back Pain Relief
Located in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, near Kuala Lumpur, GHHS Chinese Medical Centre provides convenient access to a wide range of TCM treatments and services. Our experienced TCM practitioners specialise in safe and effective TCM treatments for back pain, using proven TCM techniques and therapies. By addressing the root cause of pain, we provide long-term relief and improved well-being through personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
Are you struggling with back pain? Book a consultation with us today and experience natural relief through our expert TCM treatments!
